Otto out in the world
My newest book 'Otto the Book Bear' is out in America on January 31st next year, published by Disney-Hyperion. I've had my first two reviews through recently, this LOVELY review from Publisher's Weekly, and I've just heard that Otto has been given a Kirkus Star! This is very exciting, Kirkus are infamously tough critics, so I'm thrilled to have a great review from them here.
You can also see Otto being read by Kym Marsh on CBeebies Bedtime Stories, next Friday 2nd December at 6.45pm!
Illustrate your home
Award-winning illustrator Chris Haughton has designed these beautiful fair trade rugs, including this one with a character from his gorgeous picture book 'A Bit Lost'.
Another great illustrator making stunning goods is Laura Carlin. I really love her ceramics, just look at that pattern! I blogged before about her work, but see her new designs here.
Lastly, I need this print in my life. (via Swissmiss).
Live Twitter chat... Win a signed drawing!
I'll be doing a live Twitter chat this Friday 28th Oct at 1pm. If you have a question for me please tweet it to @TescoMagazine or @KatieCleminson and use the hashtag #kidsbookclub. There are copies of 'Otto' to win, and I'm going to give a signed drawing for the best question.
Also, if you'd like to hear Caroline Quentin reading my book 'Otto', go here!
Overtime
I'm working long hours trying to finish my book. All this overtime reminded me of something very beautiful that I hadn't yet shared on here...
I was shown this animation during a lecture at Art School, and I hope to one day create something even a tenth as great as this. I wish there was a better quality version online, or that I could buy it somewhere...
Enjoy.
Ps. If you enjoyed that, here is another very beautiful animation.
Help the monsters...
You may or may not have heard of the Ministry of Stories in Hoxton, London. The front of the shop is a monster supplies store, but hidden away at the back is a creative writing centre for children. Volunteers, including authors and writers, all help the children to develop their writing skills. The store was set up by the brilliant Nick Hornby, who was inspired by Dave Eggers genius '826 Valencia' project.
The Ministry of Stories have an exciting new project which I was honoured to do some illustrations for... but we need your help... In the ministry's own words...
This Hallowe’en, we’re hoping to publish our first book-length project of children’s work, The Awfully Bad Guide to Monster Housekeeping.
150 local primary school children, five very talented poets and five leading children’s book illustrators have worked in teams to create a new up-to-date version of the book, with sections on Fashion and Grooming, the Alphabet, Food and Recipes, Home and Recreation and those all important tips for correct monster Etiquette. Together, these four little books will make up the all-new Awfully Bad Guide to Monster Housekeeping, ready for a new generation of little (and big) monsters to enjoy.
We are now looking to raise £1000 to enable us to actually publish the book. A team of professional designers and editors are giving their time for free and we hope to launch it in time for Hallowe’en. All the children who tapped into their imaginations will receive a copy of their work that they can present to their friends and family and treasure for many years to come. The achievement of seeing their ideas in print will provide a great boost in writing confidence. And by supporting us with a pledge of just £20 upwards, you can get your hands on the complete set of four books. Please support the Ministry of Stories today by pledging at wedidthis.org.uk
This is a fantastic project, and I've seen the finished books, trust me they are WONDERFUL. Please help if you can!
Children's Book Week 2011
Hurrah! Those wonderful, beautiful people over at Booktrust picked me to be the illustrator for Children's Book Week!
To find out more and to download the poster go to the fantastic Booktrust site.
